Rick Steves' Travel as a Political Act Blog - Lessons from the Former Yugoslavia: After the War

Lessons from the Former Yugoslavia: After the War

Since World War II, Europe has enjoyed unprecedented peace...except in its southeastern Balkan Peninsula. As Yugoslavia broke apart violently in the early 1990s, the rest of the world watched in disbelief, then in horror, as former compatriots tore apart their homeland and each other.

Today — less than two decades later — some parts of the former Yugoslavia are re-emerging as major tourist destinations. In recent years, I've enjoyed trips to countries that once belonged to Yugoslavia, including Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Montenegro. As tourist destinations, they offer profound natural beauty, a relaxing ambience, and a warm welcome. Life goes on here. Local people, while not in denial about the war, would rather not be constantly reminded of it. Many think about this ugliness in their past only when tourists ask them about it.

And yet — although I realize that, in some ways, it does a disservice to these places to view them through the lens of war — I can't help but think about those recent horrors as I travel here. Seeing the bruised remnants of Yugoslavia is painful yet wonderfully thought-provoking. And, because this blog is about how travel can change the way you think about the world, I hope you'll excuse my narrow focus on our visit to this region.

My next several blog entries cover my recent travels through Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Through these experiences, we'll get a look at the sectarian struggles that have shaped these regions. Nowhere else in Europe can you go so quickly from easy tourism to lands where today's struggles are so vivid and eye-opening.

About This Entry

You are reading "Lessons from the Former Yugoslavia: After the War", an entry posted on 19 June 2009 by Rick Steves.

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Previous Entry, Okay, Let’s Travel…, posted Jun 17 2009

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Comments [ top ]

Rick, my father-in-law was shot down over Yugoslavia during WW2. He owes his life to many there who risked their lives to save his. But the violence seen recently did exist during the war. Had my father-in-law been picked up by someone other than the partisans, he would have likely killed, turned over to the Germans, or ransomed to the highest bidder. Tito commanded much respect in the Balkans, and that covered the hatred that has always existed there.

Posted by: Alan - Jun 22, 2009 11:47 AM

I read your comments with interest. My husband and I were in the Czech Rep. and Croatia last year visiting a woman who was born in Yugoslavia, lived in the U.S. for many years, and has returned to Croatia to her home. She lives in Zagreb and also bought a home on the Adriatic, in Brela, for $75,000. She told us there are problems with zoning and titles. Under communism, people lost homes, they were resold, and could have duplicate owners. It was truly a beautiful country, progressed in areas when one realizes it is only out of communisn 18 years.

Posted by: Phyllis St. Onge - Jul 01, 2009 9:12 PM